The floral industry lost several professionals whose contributions won’t be forgotten. If there are other professionals you’d like to remember, please include their names and a link to their obituary or your memories of them in the comments at the end of this article.
John M. Hodapp, 1957-2022
John Hodapp, senior vice president of agency operations of Hortica, which has dedicated itself to protecting businesses in the floriculture and horticulture industries since 1887. He died unexpectedly Feb. 11.
Jo Ellen “Joey” Schwanke 1931-2022
Jo Ellen “Joey” Schwanke, AAF, NAFD, PFCI, dedicated her life to flowers. From a childhood spent playing at — and later operating — the family greenhouses and flower shop, to her leadership at several floral organizations, her world revolved around the floral industry. Schwanke died March 10 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was 91.
Donald E. Hook, AAF, former president of the Society of American Florists and long-time owner of Pittsburgh Cut Flower, died March 20. He was 92.
James Fred Swindle, who owned National Florist Directory and founded its subsidy, Redbook Florist Services, died April 23.
Journalist Bruce Wright 1955-2022
Bruce Wright, who had one of the floral industry’s most recognized bylines, died of cancer September 16. He was 67.
Cheryl Van Winkle, who with her husband founded Stadium Flowers in Lynnwood, Washington, and later Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, died Nov. 6. She was 72.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
